2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Spy Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 01, 2009

2:2 min

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Spy Video sneaks around Germany's Nurburgring to get a look at Benz's latest roadster.

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 01, 2009

2:2 min

Our spy shooters recently caught a prototype of the 2012 Mercedes Benz SLK testing on the Nurburgring. The overall size of this SLK doesn�t appear to have changed much from the current model and it looks like the SLK will keep its retractable hard top.

However, plenty of hood camouflage suggests something radical could be in store for the front end of the next-generation SLK. We expect to see significant changes in the drivetrain department. This car will continue to feature rear-wheel drive, but there will an entirely new range of engines.

The so-called Phoenix V6 that Mercedes developed with Chrysler will most likely serve as the SLK�s top engine, at least for the non-AMG version. The car will also continue to be available with a four-cylinder engine once again, only this time it will be available in America as Mercedes attempts to lower its fuel-economy average in the U.S.

A diesel engine is also a possibility but this might be a tough sell for American drivers due to the SLK�s sporty image.

Given the relatively rough look of this prototype, we don�t expect to see the finished new-generation SLK until sometime late 2010 at the earliest. U.S. sales likely won�t start until the spring of 2011.